All rights reserved. Looking for more Scotland travel tips? The Scottish Government will operate the Caledonian Sleeper service from the end of June. You will find essential tips to make the most of your journey plus a first-hand review of our own experiences using this service multiple times. An important and useful applied example of nationalisation here. Industrial action to affect Caledonian Sleeper services on 5, 7 and 9 Given all that, there can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. As a gateway to the Highlands, Inverness has matured to become one of the UKs most spectacular cities. These are: Heres a table of whats included with each one: Editors tip: All rooms are available for shared or single occupancy. If Im being honest about the food if youre on a budget I recommend bringing your own such as snacks and sandwiches rather than eating in the Club Car. Our ride started at London Euston Station and ended at Glasgow Centra. 2 March 2023. What is the route of the Caledonian Sleeper? Comfort Seats on the Caledonian Sleeper are very nice and provide a comfortable ride to your destination. There is a Lowlander route between London and Glasgow and Edinburgh, and a Highlander route to Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. Like all trains, its recommended that you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. SUS should be used for Standard Class facility holders, FUS should be used for First Class facility holders. One of which is the Caledonian Sleeper. From this date, the Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by Scottish Rail Holdings, an arm's length company owned . On our trip we opted for the nachos and sliders. OUR VIEW As a rule we do not use the station lounges too often, preferring to eat a meal before arriving at the station and spending as much time on board the train and using the onboard facilities as much as we can. The move confirms widespread expectation in the rail industry that the service would be . On board Host service See below under Boarding the train. Now, I think you should be aware of the 'full' experience prior to booking this means of travel-. If you are unsure about travelling around Britain by train our Guide to Train Travel ebook contains everything you need to know (including 10 itineraries), Click to book your Caledonian Sleeper train ticket, Visiting the London Eye (Best Tips, Tickets & Tours). I suggest bringing your own if you want to keep costs down. Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of . You should not have any concerns over safety on the Caledonian Sleeper. "I would like to make it very clear that the Caledonian Sleeper staff will transfer to the . With over 35 years experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. Departing London Euston, the Highlander train splits into three at Edinburgh Waverley in the wee small hours of the morning. To mark our new trains and a new era in rail travel, we commissioned a series of posters to commemorate the long history of the service. So, is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it? The decision was taken when Serco attempted to renegotiate the agreement through a rebase clause, to ensure the loss-making service was on a more sustainable financial footing. For those staying in rooms, there are Club Cars, a lounge car which serves drinks and hot food. Hailed as one of the worlds greatest train journeys by Lonely Planet, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a greener way to travel too. It was a good while before we found our carriage, but eventually, we bundled through the door and looked for our room. Read more: 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. Assistance Dogs Welcome on board. If you are considering booking the Caledonian Sleeper for your next journey from London to Scotland you will find everything you need to know in our article. This was generally very uncomfortable and I did not sleep at all! The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail And the full restriction (which didn't seem relevant to the original question) says. Includes 2 adjacent berths which sleep 4 in total, Accessible twin or double from 140 (London Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from 170 (London north of Edinburgh or Glasgow). The food was delicious, but it was expensive and the portions were a little on the small side. Me and my partner both have staff travel cards (priv pass) non safeguarded (standard class). I want to give rail staff and . Sleeper Trains - National Rail Now it is possible to reserve sleeper berths and pay the supplement only at the Caledonian Sleeper website. The word Caledonian is taken from the Latin word which generally refers to the . He said that the award would have allowed Scotland to benefit from the expertise of our Serco transport senior management team who understand this complex and unique hospitality-focused train operation like no one else, while also enabling Scottish ministers to be in complete control of the contract. Scottish Government to Take Ownership of Caledonian Sleeper Services You are able to smoke at the station before you board, and when you get off, but there arent many opportunities to smoke while riding. It was utterly magical and encapsulated the romanticism of train travel for me. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised | Flipboard We were surprised to know that we could board the Caledonian Sleeper quite early before our train departed. Confused? come with essential amenities to make your trip as comfortable as Hello, the trains that go long distances are almost always, I love your website an YouTube videos. Yes. Helping older and disabled passengers Summary leaflets provides key/vital information for journey planning and booking/arranging assistance. That being said, I dont think I would upgrade unless it were for a special occasion. Iconic Highland train service the Caledonian Sleeper to be nationalised Disappointing that it's been withdrawn as opposed to tightening up on the misuse from those that don't hold travel facilities. National Rail (NR) Priv Discount on Oyster for holders of the Rail Staff Leisure Card - Update. The Scottish government announced last year an offer to rebase the Serco contract did not represent value for money. Dogs and cats are allowed in the sleeper rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. possible, including a 'sleep kit' with Scottish toiletries. Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. However, Ive heard that even those rooms are a bit cramped (I overheard a tall man complain about it in the Club Car). Mull Accommodation: 11 Best Places To Stay In 2023, 10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys. The newer more modern services incorporate more hotel-style cabins, or berths, as they are termed, with lighter/brighter accommodation. You book rooms like you would in a hotel. We started off with a sandwich platter (four sandwich quarters), mac n cheese and a vegetable soup with crusty bread. Did I sleep? 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Each route and destination are as follows, also showing the principal train station stops along the route. It wasnt an issue with the facilities. London Euston to Fort William)! Sleeper seat - Caledonian Sleeper, Fort William Traveller Reviews Planned engineering works throughout February and March please check our service alterations page. Note Check when making a booking if travelling alone if a single person supplement fee is applicable. On top of all that they do seem very friendly. On both occasions, I stayed in a Classic Room. For more information, please read ourprivacy policy. Email: francesca@littlelosttravel.com, Your email address will not be published. OUR VIEW We enjoyed sitting have a drink in the evenings and also having breakfast in one of the booths depending on availability. Now, I understand why that might be the case for the trains that depart Edinburgh or . This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. The Classic Room suited our needs perfectly at a reasonably decent price point. Can you take dogs on the Caledonian Sleeper? The loss was offset by a final 274m "availability" payment from the government . Do you know this baby? Starting from London Euston and heading north, the route to Fort William is the best Caledonian Sleeper route. How long is the Caledonian Sleeper from Glasgow to London? 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views, Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season, 9 Best Scotland Small Group Tours You Need To Book (2022), Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things To Do, 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To Experience, The Best Cyprus Itinerary for a Long Weekend (Or More!). https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. I would rather have a bed than a seat even if I were travelling alone. The train cant be wider as it has to operate on standard train tracks. JavaScript is disabled. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Silver City with the Golden Sands, also known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has established itself as a dining and entertainment destination. Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. Since the start of []. The Scottish Government will provide the services from June 25, 2023 after it decided to axe the current operator Serco's . Sleeper trains hearken back to a golden age of rail travel which blossomed in Europe during the 1920s. Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by the Scottish Government from the expiry of the current Caledonian Sleeper franchise on 25 June 2023.. T he Caledonian Sleeper has revealed its long-awaited makeover.. Yes well, some. journey, you could enjoy ever-changing views and indulge in a wee Our accommodation allows you to arrive refreshed, Every room on board our train captures the spirit of Caledonian Sleeper, with handcrafted Glencraft mattresses for the ultimate sleep and for the first time en-suite facilities in select accommodation options. If you are on a Fixed Advance ticket, no refunds, changes, or upgrades are allowed. Trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow are available to board up to 1 hour and 40 minutes before departure. Station Lounge access. Caledonian Sleeper train review: My verdict. These tickets must be valid between stations served by Caledonian Sleeper for part . Since Serco took over the Caledonian Sleeper, the operation has encountered a series of . These include train failure . Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of Scotland's most rural stations to London, will be operated by an arm's-length company owned by the Scottish Government from June 25. Scottish Government Take Over Running Of Iconic Caledonian Sleeper The fastest the Caledonian Sleeper can get to its destination is the route to Glasgow which takes 7.5 hours and the longest route, to Fort William, is almost 13 hours. The fact that you can board and alight for up to 1h before / after avoids any rushes, there isn't any of the hassle of airport security or queues. Here, you can discover the best ecolodges in the world, sustainable destination guides and so much more! Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of Scotland's most rural stations to London, will be operated by an arms-length company owned by the Scottish Government from June 25. Booth seating options and swivel chair options available. The Caledonian Sleeper train is one of the nicest overnight trains in the world and is worth the money it costs to ride. London to Scotland sleeper service tipped for renationalisation, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. You are using an out of date browser. John Whitehurst, managing director of Sercos transport business, told BBC News that the company was disappointed that the Scottish government did not ensure value for money by examining the possibility of a direct contract award to Serco. If you book a room with 2 passengers, you wont be sharing a room with anyone else. Can you use a railcard on the Caledonian Sleeper? 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List. Cheapest option available for passengers by buying a valid train ticket through any regular ticket outline/outline. Inside the revamped Caledonian Sleeper train, with double beds and Today is has been announced that the Scottish Government have decided to appoint a public body to manage and operate Caledonian Sleeper, known as Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH). The back of the door at a floor-to-ceiling mirror which gave the illusion of more space in the room. It has bunk beds and the same shower and toilet combination as the Caledonian Double. But rail unions welcomed the transport minister's announcement. Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Top Sustainable 11 Easy International Recipes to Try at Home. The decision to end Serco's contract came after the company tried to renegotiate the deal through a "rebase clause", to put the loss-making service on "a more sustainable financial footing". However, I cant comment on it as A) I booked a Classic Room, and B) the lounge was closed anyway. The Inverness train stops at Stirling, Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Perth and Aviemore. This means theyre available for single occupancy as well as sharing. Call button for at seat service food and drink (menu provided at the seat). Dont worry, if you book a Classic Room for yourself, you wont have to share it with another solo traveller! Not the luxury travel it promises - Caledonian Sleeper Train Although it was nice to have hot food, it was expensive and a little on the basic side. The one big downside is that although you get a slight discount on the room overall, the cost is still much higher than if you were splitting it with someone else. Call the guest centre for further information regarding further assisting the dogs comforts. I have subscribed. OUR VIEW We have never stayed in one of these rooms. Castles, dungeons, ghosts and tunnels give Scotlands capital an air of mystique, but theres more to Edinburgh than history and creepy tales. Off the train, Club and Double Room guests also have first class lounge access at the station while they wait to board the train. The contrast in scenery can be incredible! Theres secure storage space for up to six bikes in the Seated Carriage. The capital of the UK and one of the worlds most spectacular cities, London needs little introduction and gives you access to business, entertainment and leisure on a grand scale. Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night). Water was warm and plentiful when we tried the shower, and overall it was a good experience. Our classic cabin was functional and perfectly adequate; and certainly more comfortable than economy class flying. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This is a handy feature if youre booking as a group. John Whitehurst, managing director of Serco's transport business, said the company was disappointed that the Scottish government "did not ensure value for money by examining the possibility of a direct contract award to Serco". There are no 4 or 6 person rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. Would I downgrade to the Comfort Seats? Some of the UK's best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. My Honest nuud Deodorant Review: Does It Really Work? The Caledonian Sleeper Train was relaunched in 2019 to feature When was the online feature removed? Friday 4, Sunday 6 and Tuesday 8 November Some services will arrive at the destination later than usual with services to Aberdeen / Inverness / Fort William . The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. To enjoy the discount, simply visit a ScotRail booking office and show your Caledonian Sleeper paper or e-ticket to get 20% off your Off-Peak ticket. Rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper all sleep 2 people only. Times may differ on return and from weekdays to weekends. Caledonian Sleeper Train: Not the luxury travel it promises - See 181 traveler reviews, 122 candid photos, and great deals for London, UK, at Tripadvisor. Description. Caledonian Sleeper passengers arrive "too early". Its only available to guests staying in rooms though. Staff Travel on the Caledonian Sleeper | RailUK Forums It really depends on your personal preferences and what accommodation type you choose. Caledonian Sleeper is a gateway to a world of possibilities with our overnight rail service bringing you the flavours of Scotland and comfort travelling between London and Scotland. OUR VIEW We have not taken any journeys on the Comfort Seats on the new improved services, but I did quite a few years ago on the older trains. National Rail tickets can be accepted between stations served by the sleeper services with a reservation made via the Guest service Centre telephone line. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UK's most wonderful destinations. I would again recommend bringing your own breakfast rather than paying for this one. All of the trains go directly to their destinations without the need for changes so you can sleep while the train is moving. The class of travel choice is highlighted for each option and our experienced opinion is expressed in Our View for the options we have tried out. The best room on the Caledonian Sleeper is the Caledonian Double. The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train that connects England with Scotland. Also improved is the WIFI throughout the train and greater accessibility arrangements that increases inclusivity for all. She said the step would "provide stability and certainty" for passengers and staff. Baggage Assist Guest consideration is requested for the size/weight/and quantity in relation to available space on the train and being safe for staff to manually handle. The RMT said it would give the Scottish government "an opportunity to ensure this sustainable, low carbon route between Scotland and London can be run for passengers' interests, not private profit". How early can you board the Caledonian Sleeper? Privacy PolicyTerms of Use & CopyrightDisclosure & Disclaimer, Directory . Good choice! I was so excited to book the Caledonian Sleeper up to Fort William for my trip to the Scottish Highlands. Editors tip: These are one-way fares. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Graham Simpson criticised the decision and said: The minister agreed that the sleeper has surpassed any other train company in the UK in its recovery from the pandemic and was thriving and a world class service. I still use the sleeping mask today its pretty good quality, to be honest! National Rail Enquiries - Caledonian Sleeper - Staff Travel Tickets NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) says lower passenger numbers due to changing working patterns and a shortage of staff led to an operating loss of 304m in 2022, down from a loss of 952m the year before. These are available at the following stations. If the Caledonian Double is out of reach, the Club Room is also a great choice. The Caledonian Sleeper, the night train between London and Scotland, was in 2014 in need of a fresh start. Caledonian Sleeper Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of sleeper.scot Despite that, it's been pretty well loaded every time I've taken . JavaScript is disabled. THE Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. West Yorkshire, Its northernmost station is Inverness. Those wishing to arrange assistance onto Sleepers should call the Caledonian Sleeper Assisted Travel helpline on 0330 0600 500 or Assisted Travel Typetalk 01463 231 951 (for customers with hearing impairments). When you book your tickets, youll only be asked about where youre departing from and the station you want to arrive at. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Club and Double Room guests are meant to get priority over Classic but we were still allowed in. They are not allowed to come to the Club Car with you while you eat. OUR VIEW Using the fixed tickets suited our needs best of all, knowing with our research and itinerary planning exactly when and how we planned to travel we could manage our travel cost better throughout. Man boarded Caledonian Sleeper train and woke up to find it - Metro Revenue was 3.06bn in 2022, up from 2.25bn in 2021. Scotland's Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth has confirmed that Caledonian Sleeper services will be taken over by the Scottish Government once Serco's current franchise expires on 25 June 2023. First launched in 1996, it has become an icon the world over and a symbol of train travel at its best. Speaking in a statement to Parliament today (Thursday 2 March 2023), Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth announced that from 25 June 2023, Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by an arm's length company owned and controlled by the . Bringing together more than 500 miles (516 miles, to be exact!) For a return, the price is simply two singles. Sleeper train travel provides fantastic travel memories and stories to tell with some of the, Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from: . Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.. (see later section). magical journey through the English countryside on the Caledonian Inside the compartment was a bunk bed, a sink and hand towel in the far end with a window above it and a small table that could be pulled out.